A married man died when a car driven by his brother crashed into a motorway bridge on the M6 between Penrith and Carlisle.
An inquest was formally opened by a coroner this morning into the death of 27-year-old Henry Miller.
Cumbria police had received a report at around 7.55pm on Monday, October 16, that a road traffic collision had occurred on the southbound carriageway between junctions 41 and 42
This took place close to Southwaite services with police issuing a public appeal for witnesses in the aftermath.
“A white BMW had crashed into the bridge that crosses over the motorway leading from Wreay,” said Margaret Taylor, a Cumbria coroner, as she outlined brief circumstances of the incident.
“The passenger of the vehicle was trapped and assessed as critically unwell.”
That passenger was Mr Miller, of Bridge Street, Penrith.
“There is no evidence to show another vehicle or third party involved in the collision and the weather was dry even though it was dark,” said Ms Taylor. “Sadly, at 2123 hours, Henry Miller was pronounced dead.”
The coroner confirmed Mr Miller was married and is survived by Shannon Miller.
Ms Taylor also noted that the BMW had been driven by Mr Miller’s brother. Police believe the vehicle entered the motorway at junction 42 before heading south.
A police spokesman confirmed after the collision that a 31-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was held in police custody and later released on bail.
A spokesman has since confirmed that he has been bailed to November 21.
Ms Taylor concluded today’s hearing by saying: “This inquest, though open today, will need to be suspended due to the ongoing criminal investigation, and I am therefore opening and suspending this inquest.
“When the police investigation has concluded, it is possible that the matter will be relisted for a future hearing. It is not possible at this stage to determine when that may be.”
